A while back, I made a promise to myself. Recognising the impact worry had on my life and those I love, I resolved to live less stressed. Not since quitting sugar have I felt so challenged. Yep, I decided to find a way to live with less fear, worry, and that mischievous monkey—stress.
A worthy goal, but in our modern world, how?
Is stress just part of modern life?
How often have you tried to manage stress or not worry so much? If you’re like me, you probably see it as inevitable—just part of modern-day living. Even though we suspect stress impacts our health, it’s sneaky. It creeps up on us, and we often ignore the signs.
Ignoring the obvious
It’s that tightness between your shoulders or the angry outburst when your computer takes on a life of its own and refuses to cooperate. It’s about now, you begin to wonder from what depths that meltdown come from?
And then there’s the third cold in as many months. Sure, “it’s going around.” But could stress be quietly chipping away at your immune system? All this on top of another sleepless night of ruminating? You should stop that last one—it’s for cows.
We often find excuses—pushing through with a back massage here or a sleep-inducing chamomile tea there. A dose of vitamin C might help with the next flu, but are these physical signs our body’s way of waving a red flag?
Denying the impact of stress and worry
Most of us know stress and worry can become long-term problems, yet we brush it off—ignoring its effects on our bodies and mental health. We tell ourselves we’re not stressed, just busy, or that worry is a normal part of life.
But here’s the thing: our bodies can handle short bursts of stress. In fact, those little surges are good for us. But what about the emotional stress that lingers beneath the surface? The kind that quietly builds into chronic stress slowly chipping away at our well-being.
It makes me wonder about the brave face we consistently wear.
We humans are resilient, but…
Of course, history tells us we’re an incredibly resilient bunch, and our bodies cope remarkably well with daily stress. In my own life, there have been times when my resilience was the very thing that got me through. When I look back at caring for my mother during her battle with dementia, it is my courage and resilience that I am most proud of. But it didn’t come without consequences. Despite my stoicism, stress kept finding a way to tap me on the shoulder, gently reminding me it was still there, taking its toll. Was I listening? Yes, but like most of us, I ignored the signs.
There’s no avoiding stress—it’s part of being human. We all face situations that trigger worry and anxiety.
But here are a few questions to reflect on: Would acknowledging stress help us manage it better? Could seeking support earlier make a difference? And does worrying ever change the outcome? Many of the things we imagine in our darkest moments may never come to pass—and if they do, you will find a way through it. You may not emerge unscathed, but you will survive, and over time, even the deepest wounds can slowly heal. Of course, sometimes a scar will remain reminding us, and that’s okay.
Remember, if your worries ever feel too heavy, know that seeking help is a powerful act of self-care. Sometimes, the most compassionate step is to ask for support, whether from friends, family, or a medical professional who can guide you toward peace and resilience.
What’s happening in our brains?
We all know what the sudden onset of stress feels like in the moment—our hearts race, we sweat, and it feels like the world is closing in. That’s cortisol doing its thing. In short bursts, it’s manageable. Think about when our ancestors were chased by a sabre-toothed tiger. That rush of cortisol helped them survive.
But today, stress is often less about short-lived threats and more about ongoing challenges. It might be the constant worry of caring for a loved one, dealing with a long-term illness, or navigating major life changes. In these situations, cortisol stays elevated for much longer, impacting the brain’s function and overall well-being. The “tiger” may be gone, but the stress remains, preventing the body and mind from returning to a balanced state.
Why the hippocampus matters
The hippocampus, tucked in the medial temporal lobe, is essential for turning short-term memories into long-term ones. When chronic stress floods the brain with cortisol, the hippocampus can shrink, making it harder for us to form new memories or retain information.
Studies suggest that this region is also one of the first affected by conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia (Small et al., 2011). The toll of ongoing stress isn’t just about feeling frazzled—it can have real and lasting consequences for our cognitive health.
Minding your mind
We can’t always avoid stress, but how we manage it matters. Chronic stress, left unchecked, takes its toll—not just on how we feel day-to-day, but on our long-term brain health. With dementia rates expected to rise, it’s worth considering whether the stress and worry we carry are quietly impacting our cognitive well-being.
The good news is that we can take positive steps toward protecting our minds. By recognising stress early and addressing it, we may reduce its harmful effects and safeguard our cognitive health for the future.
And the promise to myself
Most days, I fail miserably at keeping the promise I made to myself. Like many of us, I don’t even acknowledge the presence of stress until it shows up physically. I’ve read enough about stress to know that the brain holds sway over our emotions and how we navigate life.
I also know that a promise like mine is meaningless without action. Wishing won’t make it so. So, here’s what I try to do:
- Sit in silence for 10–15 minutes every morning. Giving myself this space at the beginning of the day is a gift. No news, no social media. Just me and the birds chirping outside.
- I used to think it was silly, but ending the day by writing down what you’re grateful for—big or small—really does make a difference to your mindset.
- Before bed, stepping away from smart devices and stop mindlessly scrolling through social media.
- Don’t miss what’s going on around me. Spend less time looking down and more time looking up.
- Be kinder to my past self and forgive her for the dumb things she’s said and done.
- Don’t stress about the promises you’ve broken to yourself. After all, tomorrow is a new day.
- Remind yourself daily that worrying does not solve life’s problems.
- You can’t control other people’s actions, but you can choose how you react.
As Warren Zevon, the American singer and songwriter, once reflected while facing the end of his life: “Enjoy every sandwich.”
A simple, yet a powerful reminder to embrace the small moments, even in the midst of life’s biggest challenges.
Now, what about you?
I’d love to hear from you. How do you manage stress? Do you have a list of things you like to do? Have you found another healthy way to keep stress at bay? Feel free to email me—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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